Window replacement permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a window replacement permit in Federal Way, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Federal Way Department of Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — the office that issues the permit at your address, the mapped areas on the lot, cited to Federal Way's source.
When does a window replacement need a permit in Federal Way?
Replacing windows needs a building permit in Federal Way: neither the state code nor the city exempts it, and in a critical area even a repair needs one.
How Federal Way adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which Federal Way adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“The 2021 Edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) as published by the International Code Council (ICC) is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW and Chapter 51-51 WAC, with the following additions, deletions, and exceptions; provided, that Chapters 11 and 25 through 43 of this code are not adopted”Source ↗verified 2026-10-02
Required submittals
- If new/enlarged opening: header schedule, structural detail, WSEC NFRC sticker for U-factor
Inspection sequence
- Rough-opening inspection (if structural)
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Federal Way?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Federal Way and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the window replacement permit with Federal Way Department of Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Federal Way window replacement quote.
Notes & caveats
WSEC R402.4: replacement windows must meet U-factor ≤0.30 (climate zone 4C/5B applicable to most WA). Egress sleeping rooms must retain compliant opening (R310).
Window replacement permit fee estimate in Federal Way
Worked example for an $8,000 window replacement project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $359.19 |
| Plan review | $233.47 |
| Automation fee (5% of the permit fee, $43 minimum) | $43 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $642.16 |
Federal Way prices a window replacement's building permit on the value of the work (the ICC's building valuation data, or a bid the Building Official approves), off Valuation Table A: $89.54 up to $1,000, $157.11 for the first $2,000 plus $33.68 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000, and $931.63 for the first $25,000 plus $24.00 for each $1,000 more up to $50,000; plan review, where plans are reviewed, is 65% of that fee. Each permit carries the automation fee, the greater of $43 or 5% of the permit fee, and a residential building permit the $6.50 state building code fee (2026 Fee Schedule). Computed from Federal Way's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Check who issues the permit. Run an address lookup for your window replacement in Federal Way — we'll confirm which office issues the permit at that address and whether the lot is in a critical area, which Federal Way's rule turns on.
- 2. Assemble submittals: what Required submittals above lists.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Federal Way Department of Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $642 for an $8,000 project) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Federal Way Department of Community Development, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Window replacement permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does a window replacement need a permit in Federal Way?
Replacing windows needs a building permit in Federal Way: neither the state code nor the city exempts it, and in a critical area even a repair needs one.
How much does a window replacement permit cost in Federal Way?
For a $8,000 window replacement project, the estimated Federal Way permit fee is about $642.16 (building fee $359.19 + plan review $233.47 + surcharges) from Federal Way's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.